There really hasn't been anything like it ever in the club or international football. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken their individual battle to be the best to a whole new level. Sure we've had great players peppering football's narrative in the past. But not like this. Football is most certainly the winner as the successes of one becomes the catalyst for the other to raise their game. And when you think that you've seen it all, the bar gets raised yet again. There are many facets to the rivalry also, which makes things a great deal more interesting for the consumer, be they the paying public from the locale in the stadium, or the millions watching worldwide. Like a Connors-McEnroe or Borg-McEnroe tennis tussle of the past, we are blessed to witness to two of the finest exponents ever to grace the world stage, at exactly the same time. It's often said that you're either pro-Messi or pro-Ronaldo. If you're a fan of the beautiful game then frankly you should be a fan of both. Over these next few slides, let's look at what makes the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry the greatest in football history.

Each player has won the World Player of the Year award and has scored in a Champions League final. Ronaldo says comparing Messi to him is like comparing a "Ferrari with a Porsche" (though he says he's better). Their style of play and statistics provide hints about their similarities and differences.

The Bottom Lines: Ronaldo or Messi? On one side, Messi is a better team player and simply more talented. On the other hand, Ronaldo is more complete with a better international career. Still undecided? Check out this detailed infographic, breaking down the stats of one the most intriguing rivalry in sports history, and let us know you stand, Team Messi or Team Ronaldo?

As your opinion, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who is the Greatest of all time? So take a look at this book and see what interests you!